Effect of Rate and Source of Organic Materials On the Production Potential of Maize.

Production potential of spring maize (Zea mays L.) was evaluated under different levels of farm yard manure; FYM (10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 t ha^-1) and poultry manure; PM (4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 t ha^-1). In this experiment the crop was dependent upon the FYM or PM, rather than any synthetic fertilizer, for its nutritional requirements. Analysis of FYM and PM was carried out to determine the NPK percentage in them. Whole amount of FYM and PM was incorporated in the soil at the time of pre-sowing irrigation. On well prepared seedbed maize single cross hybrid (32-w-86) was sown on 16^th and 18^th of February in 2006 and 2007, respectively. Sowing was done by dibbling on 75 cm apart ridges. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design using three replications and a net plot size of 3 m x 4 m. Among the agronomic traits plant height, stem diameter, cob diameter, cob length, number of grains per cob, 1000-grain weight and yield were significantly affected by the application of different rates and sources of organic material. Application of 12 t PM ha^-1 gave maximum grain yield (5.60 and 5.77 t ha^-1), leaf area index (3.37 and 3.45) and seasonal crop growth rate (22.01 and 22.62 g m^-2 day^-1) during both the years of study. Seed oil content had a negative correlation with the grain yield and gave the lowest value with 12 t PM ha^-1. While a positive correlation was observed between seed protein content and grain yield.